Joseph's Reunion for Kids

A terrible famine spread across the land. In Canaan, Jacob heard that Egypt had grain, so he sent ten of his sons to buy food. He kept his youngest son, Benjamin, safely at home. After a long journey, the brothers entered Egypt’s granary court and bowed before the powerful governor. They did not know him. But Joseph knew them at once. These were the brothers who had sold him many years before. Joseph’s face showed the ache of remembering, but he did not reveal who he was.

Joseph wanted to learn whether his brothers had changed. He questioned them and accused them of being spies. He kept Simeon in Egypt and told the others not to return without Benjamin. When the food ran out, Jacob finally allowed Benjamin to go. Judah promised to bring him safely home.

When the brothers came back, Joseph welcomed them and gave them food. Still, he did not tell them who he was. Then Joseph ordered his steward to place Joseph’s silver cup inside Benjamin’s grain sack. After the brothers left, the steward hurried after them. Their sacks were searched from the oldest brother’s to the youngest. At last, the cup was lifted from Benjamin’s sack. The brothers tore their clothes in dread and returned to Joseph together.

Joseph said that Benjamin must remain as his slave. Then Judah stepped forward. He told Joseph about their elderly father, who dearly loved Benjamin. Jacob had already lost one beloved son, Judah explained. If Benjamin did not return, their father’s sorrow would be too great. Years before, Judah had suggested selling Joseph. Now he begged to take Benjamin’s punishment. “Please let me remain as your slave instead of the boy,” he pleaded.

Joseph could hold back his feelings no longer. He ordered every attendant to leave. Then he began to weep so loudly that people throughout the palace heard him. “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into Egypt,” he said.

The brothers drew back in shock. They were frightened and ashamed. But Joseph called them closer. He did not pretend that what they had done was right. Instead, he explained that God had sent him ahead to preserve their family through the famine. Joseph embraced Benjamin and wept, and then he kissed all his brothers and wept with them.

Joseph sent wagons loaded with food and supplies back to Canaan. At first, Jacob could hardly believe that Joseph was alive. But when he saw the wagons, hope filled his heart. Jacob and his whole family traveled to Egypt. Joseph went to meet him, threw his arms around his father’s neck, and wept for a long time. Father and son held each other close at last, surrounded by the family God had preserved.